Zuma
By Sherri Balefsky | Online Editor
California Roll? Yum. Spicy Tuny Roll? Yes, please. Sex on the Beach Roll? You’ll have to keep reading. Here’s our list of the top 10 sushi restaurants in Miami, in no particular order.
1. Zuma {270 Biscayne Boulevard Way; Downtown; 305 577 0277}
Located at the Epic Hotel facing the Miami River in Downtown Miami, the world-class Zuma is often cited as one of the city’s best. The expansive menu features a seemingly endless array of signature dishes and sushi rolls featuring surprising combinations and flavors—a true treat for the senses. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance; last-minute tables here are hard to come by.
2. Nobu {1901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.695.3232}
Just two blocks down from SLS inside the classic Miami Beach Shore Club is another world-renowned sushi restaurant: Nobu. Executive Chef Thomas Buckley honed his skills at Nobu London and now brings Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s award-winning culinary interpretations to South Beach. Most dishes are served family-style, perfect for a groups and large parties, lending an even more lively atmosphere to the already festive space.
3. Kazumi {260 Crandon Boulevard #16, Key Biscayne; 305.361.2675}
Key Biscayne locals will swear by this modern Japanese concept from the owners of Costa Med. Expect to find all your Japanese staples, including sushi rolls and sashimi, and yakitori bites from the robata grill. You’ll also find some unexpected twists like the Sex on the Beach and Honeymoon rolls. Stop by for lunch for one of the many reasonably priced bento boxes, which allow you to combine a bunch of your favorites into one flavorful meal.
Catsup by Starck
4. Katsuya by Starck {1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.455.2995}
Miamians rejoiced a few years back when the trendy SLS brand made its hotel debut in South Beach. And we were even more excited when we found out that inside this chic hotel would be the acclaimed sushi restaurant, Katsuya. The brand is known throughout the world for its modern Japanese cuisine by Master Chef Katsuya Uechi and its cool design motif by design impresario Philippe Starck—and the Miami location is no exception. More good news: a Katsuya is scheduled to open a downtown location later this year.
3. Pubbelly Sushi {1424 20th Street, Miami Beach; 305.531.9282}
From the Pubbelly Boys, the same team behind Pubbelly Gastropub, Pubbelly Sushi is a hip Sunset Harbour neighborhood sushi den that packs the house nightly with its Asian-inspired pub grub from Partners Jose Mendin and Chef Yuki Ieto. Big anime murals accent the space’s exposed brick, large chalkboards, and floor-to-ceiling windows, while stainless-steel light fixtures and dark wooden tables complete the look.
Hannya
6. Hannya {1063 Brickell Plaza, Brickell; 305.808.5833}
It seems that a new restaurant pops up in Brickell daily, making it hard to stand out from the pack. But Hannya manages to do just that. The new eatery is a concept by Larry Chi of Sunset Place’s Akashi, which was one of the first sushi bars in the area when it opened in 1993 and remains a local favorite to this day. A must-try: the Alex #2 Roll. It’s hard to resist this tasty blend of shrimp tempura, krab salad, masago, and cream cheese topped with avocado, spicy mayo, and eel sauce—especially since the word “AMAZING!” is included in its menu description.
8. SOHO Bay {520 West Avenue, Miami Beach; 786.618.2788}
It’s very rare that a brand-new restaurant makes a top 10 list right away. Although SOHO BAY is new to Miami (it officially opened its doors on April 7), it is no stranger to the restaurant biz. In fact, this modern eatery is already an established success in Brazil, with 15 years of experience and eight locations across the country. Executive Chef Ricardo Sauri, formerly of Nobu fame, has devised a tempting sushi and sashimi-focused menu, which is complemented by a sizable list of fine sakes and innovative cocktails.
7. 26 Sushi & Tapas {9487 Harding Avenue, Surfside; 305.570.2626}
Kosher sushi? The two words at first glance do not seem to go together. But that’s exactly what makes 26 different. The restaurant, which encompasses a main dining room, sushi bar, cocktail bar, and patio dining, is certified by Kosher Miami. Chef Fernando Chang brings over a decade of experience conceiving dazzling kosher sushi and Japanese cuisine—with a hint of Peruvian flair—making it safe to say that kosher never tasted so good.
26 Sushi & Tapas
9. Fung Kü {1720 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; 305.534.7905}
Have you ever heard of naked sushi? We hadn’t. Until we visited at the Catalina Hotel in South Beach. Serving up fine Thai and Japanese cuisine, dinner is always a treat here. And once you’re done eating, stay right where you are. A delicious party ensues complete with a live DJ spinning tunes and fabulous drink specials. As for the naked sushi? Let’s just say you’ll have to come in to experience it for yourself.
10. Naoe {661 Brickell Key Drive; Brickell Key; 305.379.0903}
Nestled on the quieter, more subdued Brickell Key, just off of Brickell Avenue, NAOE is quickly becoming the must-visit sushi restaurant for those in-the-know. At the helm is Chef Kevin Cory, whose family has been making shoyu (translation: soy sauce) since 1825 in the small town of Oono, Japan. Monday through Saturday, he serves up his signature Chef’s Choice prix-fixe menu. It changes daily, which means that every time you visit this Forbes five-star eatery (one of only 38 in the United States), you’re in for a new surprise.
